Over 4 500 Zimbabwe girls drop out of school due to pregnancy, says minister
3 942 of dropouts are from rural schools
By Staff Reporter
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo says 4 557 girls from both secondary and primary schools dropped out due to pregnancy.
Addressing MPs during the ministers’ question time in parliament on Wednesday, Moyo said 134 of those who dropped out were primary school going girls.
The minister said a majority of those who abandoned their education were in rural areas.
“Therefore, for the year ending December 2023, 4 557 girls dropped out of school due to pregnancy, the majority of these 3 942 being from rural schools.
“There were 134 girls who dropped out of primary school as a result of pregnancy, meaning that the majority of dropouts were recorded in secondary schools,” he said.
Moyo said his ministry has instituted measures aimed at curbing the problem, one of which is the introduction of guidance and counselling in schools.
“Through the Education Act, the ministry has also ensured that the legal provisions are there to enable girls who fall pregnant to continue with their education,” the minister said.
“According to the Education Amendment Act of 2020, we do not encourage girls to drop out for reasons that they are pregnant, we encourage them to continue according to the Act.
“According to the law, they are allowed to be on maternity leave for a period of 2 weeks. After giving a normal birth, the girl is allowed back to the school and that is according to the Constitution.
“So, we encourage those technical and vocational skills to be equipped to all the students regardless of whether one has dropped out or not.”
Moyo said his ministry continues to encourage all the girls who fall pregnant to complete their studies.
“Quite a number of students have been accepted back and have gone back to school.
“We also have the support of our partners CAMFED where students who have dropped out if they have any challenges in terms of resource mobilisation, CAMFED provides scholarships for girls.
“Last December, we had a launch of US$48.8 million and of that amount from Global Partners in Education, US$80 million has been allocated to CAMFED to provide funding for such girls and that has been impacted,” said Moyo.
The high numbers of girls dropping out of schools has been linked to poverty, cultural and religious practices, among other reasons.
